The signing period for NCAA basketball started yesterday, as NIU officially signed its three high school players who earlier gave verbal commitments.

Inking United Township’s James Hughes, Pekin’s Todd Peterson and Curie’s Rome Sanders, first year NIU coach Rob Judson feels good about his future players.

“Number one, all of the players are from our recruiting base — a 100-mile radius north, south, east and west of DeKalb in Chicago, the Quad Cities and Pekin,” said Judson. “Number two, they all play in excellent leagues. They are going to play against the top competition. Number three, we have added size to our team. Number four, they’re all really fine individuals.”

After averaging 17 points last year while in Germany where his father is stationed in the Army, this year is the 6-foot-10 Hughes’ first time in the United States since his sophomore year when he was in Las Vegas. Hughes participates in the Western Big Six Conference, which has what Judson calls a tradition of basketball powers.

“James is a skilled player with size who has a great feel for a player his size and excellent hands,” said Judson.

The 6-foot-6 Peterson averaged 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists last year while participating in the Mid State Six Conference with Peoria Manual, which won a string of four straight state titles in the ’90’s.

“Todd has deep range and a great desire for the game of basketball,” said Judson.

The 6-foot-7 Sanders averaged 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists last season while playing in the Chicago Red West, which is annually considered one of the top basketball conferences in the country. Recent graduates include Kevin Garnett (Minn. Timberwolves) and Quentin Richardson (L.A. Clippers).

“Rome is an athletic, explosive inside player who is a quick athlete,” said Judson

With the singing period ending Nov. 21, barring any changes, NIU is done with the Class of 2002.